Feedback: Readers offer reasons for why they carry a firearm

Jul. 5, 2013

On June 23, Free Press Political Editor James G. Hill wrote a column (“Why I Carry: Having a firearm is like having insurance”) about why he carries a gun. Readers react to his story, where he describes how showing his firearm stopped a potentially dangerous situation. Some readers explained why they carry a gun:

I carry, and the reasons are numerous.

One reason is because of the loss of respect for humanity. When you read about the evil deeds some people are capable of, the atrocities perpetrated on men, woman, even young children, you begin to understand that this evil can reach out and touch the lives of MY family at anytime. I know in my heart that I could not stand by and witness this atrocity without action.

Yes I carry, and always will.

Terry C. Baird

Macomb

Until about 10 years ago, I was completely against guns. Then one afternoon, I watched a friend prevent a car-jacking, or worse, by showing two punks that she had a .38 revolver in her purse. I now own several guns, and I am licensed to carry.

I know carrying a firearm does not make me invincible or superwoman. I do know that if I am ever faced with a life-threatening situation that I will be able to defend myself. I took a National Rifle Association course that taught me gun safety and that a gun is a tool of last resort. I know a safe and reasonable retreat is my first option. I go to the range twice a month to keep in practice, should I need to use a firearm to stay alive. I don’t want to take a life, but I am willing to if it means saving my own. I am completely fed up with our government trying to infringe on my basic right to defend myself.

No one reports the hundreds of thousands of times crimes are prevented because a potential victim had access to a firearm. President Barack Obama talks about “saving just one child.” How about the one child who was saved when Mom or Dad was able to fend off a bad guy with their own firearm?

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Ashley Howie

Waterford

I am a 78-year-old woman, and I carry. I also train: I go to the range about once a week. I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. People tell me I could shoot a friend who came to the door or in the house. They don’t seem to understand that is why you train. You shoot only when your life is threatened, and you can see whom you are going to shoot.

Patricia Johnston

Livonia

I’m the friend and firearms instructor James G. Hill mentioned in his article. The actions Hill took were the embodiment of the philosophy I preach to all of my students: A.T.F.K.Y.S. — Awareness Training Firearm Keeps You Safe. I carry my firearm for the same reason that James carries his — my firearm is like insurance of my car, health or life. I pray I will never have to use my gun just like I pray I don’t have to use any insurance I own. I also carry my firearm for another reason: it is a “rescue device.” In the 2005, I was faced with a possible life or death robbery. Two guys, one in a full ski mask, in the parking lot of CVS attempted to assault and rob me. Fortunately, because I was aware of them acting suspiciously before their robbery attempt, and my continued firearms training and, last — and legally always last — my firearm, my life was saved from possible injury or worse. When I look back at that night I’ve concluded that not only was my life saved, but the lives of the two criminals were spared by my acting in the manor I did.

Willie Campbell

Detroit

James G. Hill recounts an allegedly dangerous situation then writes his article with a number of assumptions: First, that danger lurks everywhere and at any moment, anywhere, bad guys can threaten your life. Second, that in a situation like the one he described, the only solution is a gun. Third, that the bad guys won’t have guns, will always be intimidated by someone who does, and won’t shoot first. And fourth, that isolated incidents of violence justify strapping a 2-pound piece of metal to your body at all times.

Hill’s article doesn’t present a good case for carrying a gun. It simply reinforces a fantasy world.

Eric Krimmel

Wyandotte

I do have a concealed pistol license, but seldom carry. I have had a license to carry for many years primarily to be legal when going hunting and to and from the practice range. I have considered carrying for the same reason that James G. Hill does.

I think expanding background checks is an important part of controlling violence with guns. I would like to see the names of the senators who voted against expanding background checks be published so that voters can decide to vote for them or not in the next election. As a hunter, I fail to see why large-capacity magazines are necessary, and they should be illegal for nonmilitary use. Our government needs to do a better job with gun control.